The mayor and police commissioner of New York City, Eric Adams and Edward Caban, announced a new technology to detect weapons in the subway system. They stated that the pilot program could begin in a few months. Mayor Adams mentioned that the impact and use policy for electromagnetic weapons detection systems will be published soon, starting a 90-day waiting period before the technology can be tested in the city to enhance safety for New Yorkers.
The announcement was met with criticism from the Legal Aid Society, which called the city’s approach to public safety misguided and costly. The group expressed concerns about false alarms and the potential for panic induced by gun detection systems. New York state leaders have been working to improve safety underground, with Governor Kathy Hochul deploying the National Guard and State Police for random bag checks. Commissioner Caban has also been engaging with riders to understand their concerns.
Transit crime in the city has seen a 4% increase this year compared to last year, and an 8% increase compared to 14 years ago. To address these concerns, the NYPD announced plans to assign 800 additional officers for a week-long crackdown on subway fare evaders. Additionally, the city is hiring more clinicians to provide assistance to those dealing with mental illness. The efforts are part of a broader strategy to improve safety and security in the subway system.